Getting it right: the validation study

Validation of a culturally-specific measure to identify depression in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

This study aims to validate an extensively adapted and culturally appropriate, free to use, depression screening tool for use with Indigenous people attending primary health care services.

Objectives

the primary aim is to validate the culturally adapted tool against a gold standard tool to screen for depression.

the secondary aims include assessing the comparative contribution of seven additional questions to the aPHQ-9 on anger, weakened spirit, homesickness, irritability, excessive worry, rumination, and drug/alcohol use previously identified during in-depth qualitative research, in order to improve the detection of depression in Indigenous people attending primary care services and to evaluate the acceptability, feasibility and usefulness of the aPHQ-9 in its intended care setting.

Progress

Recruitment for Getting it Right was completed in November 2016. The target of 500 participants from 10 primary health care services around Australia was reached. Data analyses are underway.